I was given this silver jewelry box after my maternal grandmother passed away.  It was a bittersweet time.  We knew she was relieved of her burdens and was celebrating in Heaven…but we cried because we had to live here without her sweet presence and wisdom.  In the box I noticed a small piece of newspaper at the bottom likely placed there many moons ago.  It was an unintended message from her to me as a reminder of how I should live my life.  I’d like to share with you a few things she taught me:

• I learned that hard work pays off as she instructed me how to properly snap beans and shuck corn.  My very first exposure to agriculture!  Family young and old gathered on the large back porch to see that the bounty was prepped and ready to be either canned, dried, or frozen to preserve for upcoming months.  The magical Earthy smell and chill of her potato cellar complete with rugged stone walls and rustic shelves was always a favorite hiding spot.  Hundreds of canning jars would line the walls full of the garden’s harvest, representing a huge investment of time and sweat equity.
• I learned how patience is a virtue and quality should always be sought over quantity.  During my stays at her house I would be in awe of her talent as she spent hours crocheting and sewing the most beautiful clothing to care for her family and home.  You can’t buy those items at Wal-Mart I assure you.

This cape my grandmother crocheted and wore.  It is one of my most cherished items.  

• I learned that singing was a great way to worship.  On Sunday mornings I always enjoyed sharing a pew with her because I knew I would get a piece of butterscotch candy (I think this is a classic “Grandma” thing).  Her alto voice with the folksy Appalachian edge singing “Just As I Am” was one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard.  She’d hum hymns as she washed dishes, made her famous angel biscuits, or worked in the garden.  It was a constant reminder of praising God through all the tasks of the day.

My paternal grandmother was a saint in her own ways.  We teach our children more through our actions than our words.  She was tiny in stature but strong in faith.  She had the sweetest smile and laugh and could make the best beef stew around.  She taught me quite a few life lessons too…

Meeting my daughter for the first time.  

• I learned the power of prayer.  My grandma was the fiercest prayer warrior I have ever met.   At my my challenging moments in life it was my instinct to dial up Grandma and ask her to pray for me.  I had seen and heard her in action and knew that her loyalty to God first and family second would be the best protection I could seek.  As a child I vividly remember our bedtime ritual on occasions when we got to have a sleepover.  She would pray the most humble and authentic prayer to God out loud that would lull me to sleep.  She prayed as if she was truly having a conversation with her best friend.  To hear her lift my name up in prayer in my presence without any hesitation has stuck with me all my life.  She was unwavering in her faith and conditioned me to go to prayer without any hesitation, knowing that God is the ultimate healer and protector, and the best listener you can ever imagine.
• I learned to not be afraid to share God’s love with others.  She didn’t work outside the home and wasn’t much of a traveler but within the realm of her interactions she would never hesitate to give God all the glory for her blessings and provisions…I’ve seen her share her love of God with K-Mart cashiers, doctors, the mail man, and strangers walking down her road.   At times I have even been guilty of thinking, “Oh Grandma, not now…”, but shame on me.  In a world where people sometimes are afraid to share their faith for being judged by others she had no reservations.  How much I now pray for that same boldness in my own life!

As Mother’s Day approaches and I reflect on the impacts these two women made in my life I know that others can relate with their own experiences.  Proverbs 31 is a popular chapter in describing a virtuous woman by Biblical standards.  As I read the verses I reflect on how perfectly my grandmothers were role models for myself and other women in their lives.  As a woman of God I am also reminded of how I should be striving to serve others before myself…even in a society that many live out a “me first” attitude.

Proverbs 31: 10-31

¹⁰ Who can find a capable wife?
She is far more precious than rubies.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will not lack anything good.
¹² She rewards him with good, not evil,
all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with willing hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from far away.
¹⁵ She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and portions^[k] for her female servants.
¹⁶ She evaluates a field and buys it;
she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
¹⁷ She draws on her strength
and reveals that her arms are strong.
¹⁸ She sees that her profits are good,
and her lamp never goes out at night.
¹⁹ She extends her hands to the spinning staff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
²⁰ Her hands reach out to the poor,
and she extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
for all in her household are doubly clothed.
²² She makes her own bed coverings;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known at the city gates,
where he sits among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes and sells linen garments;
she delivers belts to the merchants.
²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing,
and she can laugh at the time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom
and loving instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the activities of her household
and is never idle.
²⁸ Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her:
²⁹ “Many women are capable,
but you surpass them all!”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.
³¹ Give her the reward of her labor,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.

Wow.  That passage never gets old (even though I am…ah the gray hairs arriving daily!).  Every time I read it again I seem to be drawn to different words depending on my current season in life, and obstacles I may be enduring.  What season are you in?  Are you struggling to balance being a working mom with the responsibilities of home?  Are you exhausted with feelings of not meeting the high expectations of others around you?  Do you get frustrated with disciplining your children and feel like you’re not making progress?  Have you recently been brought to tears at the stress of financial woes?  Does the weight of the world’s view of beauty make you feel inadequate?

YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

At times we can have doubts and fears but God gives us all the instruction we need to keep moving forward and experience strength and joy.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Ladies (ALL ladies, even if you have not bore a child you still hold a great deal of influence on people all around you!)  let’s enjoy our one day and then get back to work…we’ve got lots to do in the world in sharing God’s love with others and clearly idle hands yield no progress!

P.S.  If you’re never heard of Proverbs 31 ministry and enjoyed this blog, look them up online and on social media.  They can be a great source of encouragement and insight on the daily challenges of being a woman of God!